Andy Austin's Rule 53 is a gem. From her unique vantage point as an on-the-scene witness to a series of Chicago's gaudiest criminal trials since 1969, Austin's book offers the reader a dazzling panoramic history of the dark side of this great city's recent history. Her day job as an artist for a television station was to swiftly capture the amazing assortment of audacious trouble makers, crooked politicians, deranged murderers, dangerous spies, white collar criminals and violent gang members --white and black --who were brought into the the courts of Chicago. But her "night" job, it turns out, was to thoughtfully and elegantly reflect on the fascinating mindsets of all those who in one way or another were key players in these always dramatic trials -- the criminals, the prosecutors, the defense attorneys and the judges. Austin more than accompished her mission.

Andy Austin takes us on a riveting ride through 30 years of the Chicago underworld as seen from her perch right next to them as defendants--drawing their portraits for TV use in covering their trials. [[ASIN:1893121534 Rule 53: Capturing Hippies, Spies, Politicians, and Murderers in an American Courtroom] It brings back the Chicago 7, assorted Mafia figures and the street gang leaders who transformed the city: she shows them all in her sketches in prose as well as in drawings. A fast and funny and appalling story, great for anyone interested in Chicago and the way the US justice system works and doesn't work.

The 1960s were a turbulent time in America, with controversy around every corner. "Rule 53: Capturing Hippies, Spies, Politicians, and Murderers in an American Courtroom" is a new perspective on the decade through the eyes of a courtroom sketch artist. The author saw countless pivotal cases and strange characters from all walks of life in an era when people began to stand up and speak out for their rights. Refreshing, charming, and packed with sketches from over the years, "Rule 53: Capturing Hippies, Spies, Politicians, and Murderers in an American Courtroom" is a top pick for community library memoir and art collections.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

This is a fascinating picture of the underworld scene through the years from a unique perspective - a court room artist of great ability both as an artist and writer. It is a great read whether you are acquainted with the goings-on of the Chicago mob or not. The text is erudite and knowledgeable and the artistry fine, indeed. Run; don't walk, to find a copy